I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
Tako is young 24 year old guy working in Bangkok and happy. But back home, it turns out he has a son with his high school girlfriend Bell. But because they had a kid very very young, the parents had to be involved. The couple definitely is not in love with each other and eventually want what's best for the son, but because of such a bitter experience, Bell and her family blame Tako for ruining their life while he is happy in Bangkok. One day a new intern joins Tako's office who is outgoing, funny and has no hesitation in declaring and acting that he is gay. Tako is surprised by his openness and honesty and this new guy explains to him that times have changed and sexuality and gender is across spectrum. We also see that Tako's boss , who cis also his friend secretly yearns for Tako. This new addition in the office open up Tako's mind and he finally gives in to his feelings for his friend and they soon become a couple. In fact the son also spends some time with them. But when Bell finds out the truth that Tako is gay, she tries to cut off all meetings between the father and son. For Tako, the son is his priority but it is also important to be true to himself. He comes out to both his own family and Bell's. Eventually they all support him, but sadly Tako's love moves to Canada since Tako will always prioritize his son over love.
The sad ending of the show when it comes to love was certainly a disappointment, but I as glad that Tako was able to eventually be true and honest to not just himself but also his family. It was endearing to see that his parents eventually supported him despite having very string negative opinions about homosexuality. Like most BL shows, this show also tries to initially make a villain out of Bell, but her outburst is very genuine when she finds out about Tako being gay. I think it was fair of hr to say that he has life and money and happiness in big city but she has no life, no career, no love and that Tako was being selfish. I am alway s about conflicted in such scenarios when a guy is confronting his sexuality button the process he may end up destroying someone's life even when you don't intend to. Sure the guy is not at fault, but neither is the girl and her initial hatred in my mind is justified. Time eventually hals everything. The story here is about accepting your true self and finding that one person who helps you in that journey. Even though the new person in the office is an intern and junior to Tako, but clearly he is much more open and educated when it comes to gender and sexuality and in the process he teaches Tako why it is important too love yourself, be true to yourself and everything will fall in place. I liked the story, Crisp, focussed and true. (5.5/10)
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